Adventures in the Indian Ocean

While the Maldives and the Seychelles are the most  popular destinations in the Indian Ocean, it’s worth looking at some of the other amazing islands and resorts in the region. There’s an abundance of beauty – from incredible wildlife to unspoiled beaches – and if you’re going to commit to travelling that far, why not make the most of it?

There are many places that I’d highly recommend you think about, and I’ve put a list together in this blog, so that you can whet your travelling appetite for exploration, adventure and holiday-of-a-lifetime magic.

Zanzibar

Many of my clients add a trip to Zanzibar to a safari holiday, because it’s the perfect place to relax and chill out. With 40 islands in the archipelago, its gorgeous beaches and sparkling blue waters, it’s a great place for scuba diving or snorkelling around the coral reefs. You can find fabulous luxury accommodation, so you know you will be perfectly looked after while you’re there.

Madagascar

Nature lovers go to Madagascar because it has plants and animals that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. In fact, almost 90% of the mammals and plants on the island are endemic. Just one highlight of the island is to head for the Berenty Reserve and Isalo National Park where you will see ring-tailed lemurs. Classified by Conservation International as a biodiversity hotspot, the island is a must-visit, and is very welcoming to visitors.

Christmas Island

It can be difficult to decide between the many idyllic destinations in the Indian Ocean. If it helps, Sir David Attenborough loves Christmas Island because of their incredible plant, animal and sea life. The island is a remarkable blend of South Asian, Chinese and Australian culture and cuisine, and with a national park covering more than 60% of the island, it’s a genuine paradise location.

British Indian Ocean Territory

This is one of the UK’s most far-flung territories, so it’s a great one to cross off your travel list. Far more than that, though, this collection of 58 islands like many of these Indian Ocean destinations, is recognised for its biodiversity, and particularly for its seabirds and its coral reefs.

Comoros

Set between Mozambique on the African coast and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is a volcanic archipelago with three main islands. With incredible vegetation and tropic forest inland and clear blue waters on the coast, it may be less well known, but it’s a stunning destination to add to your list.

Réunion

One of the things I love about Indian Ocean destinations is the incredible fusion of cultures, set in the most beautiful landscapes. Réunion is no exception. Smaller than other destinations, but beautifully formed, it’s the place where exotic birds, chameleons and humpback whales call home and is the perfect destination if you love to walk, swim, dive and explore.

Rodrigues

Part of the Republic of Mauritius, it’s the remoteness and non-tourist feel of Rodrigues that attracts visitors. Intimate luxury hotels form the perfect base for enjoying the crystal waters and hiking or biking the mountain trails.

Contact me to book your perfect Indian Ocean trip!

While all these destinations are incredible, they do have limited accommodation, so the sooner you book, the better. And of course, flights are cheaper the earlier you book. I can help you put together an Indian Ocean itinerary that gives you everything you need – whether that’s a beach-based fly and flop or a multi-destination tour of a lifetime. Contact me for an initial chat.